Some of Eddie Howe’s comments in the wake of Newcastle United’s defeat to Manchester United haven’t gone down well on social media.
In isolation, Newcastle United dominated the second half of the game and may have been awarded a penalty for a handball from Lisandro Martinez on a different day.
While Howe’s side didn’t create many huge chances, they saw enough of the ball at Old Trafford to reasonably expect to take at least a point away with them.
However, that’s a very generous reading. Indeed, the fact is that Newcastle lost 1-0 to Manchester United, a side who don’t fully convince even with their key players in the team.
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The fact the Red Devils were missing the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo made it all the more galling.
It was another toothless away performance that resulted in yet another defeat on the road. This team have won only one away game since April in the Premier League.
So then, comments from the Newcastle United manager after the game were not treated all that kindly.
Newcastle United fans slam Eddie Howe for saying away form is “irrelevant”
Speaking during his post-match press conference, Howe attempted to take Boxing Day’s game in isolation.
He suggested that while his team weren’t ducking the issue of the dreadful away form, he was much more focused on each game as a standalone entity.
“We’re not ducking the issue and not trying to be clever, but I just think we just need to look at the performances in isolation,” he said.
“Whether they’re home or away, it’s irrelevant, really. I think it’s about what the team’s identity is on that day and how it plays. If it’s home or away, for me, I don’t really care.”
Finish this sentence, the worst thing about Newcastle’s loss to Man United was _
That proved difficult to accept amongst sections of the fanbase on social media platform X.
One supporter said: “It’s not isolated though. It’s every week. Same system, same formation, same subs at the same time. As an opponent that must be easy to prepare for.”
Another added: “It is absolutely relevant, Eddie.”
One fan said: “It certainly ISN’T irrelevant at all.”
“One away win this season and two away wins since March is certainly not irrelevant!” said another.
This fan said: “Awful response from Eddie.”
“The longer he ignores the patterns by calling timing of goals and location of poor performances, “irrelevant”, the worse things are going to get,” was another comment.
Had the defeat in Manchester been a one-off, then perhaps what he’s saying would make sense.
The fact the away form has been an issue for so long, however, is difficult to ignore.
Eddie Howe has hit an all-time low at Newcastle United
Howe did struggle to claim a first win as Newcastle boss during his first few months at the club, but he was working with a team built by Mike Ashley and Steve Bruce, so he can be given something of a pass for that.
Still, the mood at the club has rarely felt as low as it is now since January 2022.
Howe is arguably the greatest manager in Newcastle United history but is starting to look out of ideas.
Things certainly weren’t made easy for him during a chaotic summer transfer window and turbulence behind the scenes.
However, at some point, the excuses will start to wear thin.
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